Jesse Grossman’s Post

A nationwide analysis by USA TODAY shows local governments are banning green energy faster than they’re building it. At least 15% of counties in the U.S. have effectively halted new utility-scale wind, solar, or both, USA TODAY found. These limits come through outright bans, moratoriums, construction impediments and other conditions that make green energy difficult to build. In the past decade, about 180 counties got their first commercial wind-power project. But in the same period, more than twice as many blocked wind development. And while solar power has found more broad acceptance, 2023 was the first year to see almost as many individual counties block new solar projects as the ones adding their first project. #Learnewable is a revolutionary AI-powered community engagement platform built to bring renewable developers and communities together. Email: info@learnewable.com to receive information about early access. https://lnkd.in/edJ6GGHK

The U.S. has set a target to reach 100% clean energy by 2035, a goal that depends on building large-scale solar and wind power. However, at least 15% of counties in the U.S. have effectively halted new utility-scale wind, solar, or both. These limits come through outright bans, moratoriums, construction impediments and other conditions that make green energy difficult to build. Find out more clicking on the link below. #renewableenergy #US #energygoals #windpower #solarpower #renewableassets #greenenergy #projects #climatechange #energytransition

Building new renewable energy projects is a growing problem; USA Today now estimates that at least 15% of U.S. counties now have restrictions in place that effectively block the development of new utility-scale wind or solar power.  Local bans and restrictive ordinances block projects that create good paying jobs and bring millions of dollars of investment to communities of all sizes. They also undermine multiple state and national clean energy goals. United and our members are working with decisionmakers across the country to reduce barriers to building new, homegrown clean energy. https://lnkd.in/edJ6GGHK 

A new study by the clean energy research and advocacy group RMI highlights the significant economic potential of expanding interstate transmission lines for clean energy in the Western U.S. States like Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Montana, which traditionally export fossil-fuel-based electricity, could potentially grow their clean energy market to $50 billion by 2050. This potential hinges on the development of extensive transmission networks. Without this development, the market could shrink to just $3 billion. The study suggests that a coordinated approach to building these lines could cut the cost of creating a carbon-free grid by 30%, benefiting ratepayers across the West and helping states achieve their clean energy goals. According to RMI, renewable energy projects are increasing in the West, with significant development in solar and wind farms. However, lengthy permitting procedures and high costs complicate the integration process. A backlog of nearly 12,000 projects exemplifies the need for faster approvals and better transmission planning. FERC is introducing new rules to expedite this process, but the challenge remains in building the necessary infrastructure. RMI's analysis emphasizes the need for more regional planning in the West to support clean energy goals. The study suggests that investing in transmission planning could reduce reliance on expensive baseload generation and make renewable energy more cost-effective in the future. #EnergyTransition #RenewableEnergy #TransmissionPlanning https://lnkd.in/gc8JvBkq

According to USA Today, Green Energy Expansion Faces Obstacles as Local Governments Impose Restrictions. • Despite the urgent need to transition to clean energy, the US is facing challenges in meeting its green energy goals. • A nationwide analysis reveals that at least 15% of counties in the US have effectively halted new utility-scale wind and solar projects through bans, moratoriums, and other restrictions. • While green energy sources like wind and solar are expanding, the pace of construction is insufficient to meet the country's 2035 target of 100% clean energy. • Local opposition and disinformation campaigns have contributed to the surge in obstacles, particularly for offshore wind projects. https://lnkd.in/g8Aav_Ef #solar #wind #bess #development #utilityscale #renewables

California has hit a remarkable milestone on its journey toward 100% clean energy. For 100 days this year, the state operated on 100% carbon-free, renewable electricity for part of each day, showcasing what a green future could look like. This achievement comes amid the hottest July on record, with no blackouts or emergency power cuts. This progress reflects significant investments in renewable energy, particularly in #batterystorage allowing #solarpower to be utilized even when the sun isn’t shining. Yet, the road ahead remains challenging. California must transition away from fossil fuels while managing an increasing demand for #electricity as more #electricvehicles and appliances come online. The state aims to run on 60% renewable energy by 2030, ramping up to 100% by 2045. While challenges like grid reliability and the ongoing reliance on natural gas persist, California’s progress serves as a blueprint for a sustainable future. #cleanenergy #renewableenergy #california #sustainability #solarenergy #growth #renewables #solarpowered #sustainabledevelopment #roadmap

California recently hit a significant milestone: 100 days this year with 100% carbon-free, renewable electricity for at least part of each day, as tracked by Stanford University engineering Professor Mark Z. Jacobson. This achievement, made possible by substantial public and private investments in renewable energy and battery storage, comes amid the hottest July on record—yet the state avoided blackouts and emergency power reductions. Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted that these investments have made California’s grid more reliable and resilient while increasingly running on clean energy. However, challenges remain. Fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, still constitute a significant portion of the state’s electricity. To meet its ambitious goal of 100% clean energy by 2045, California must continue expanding its renewable capacity, adding around 6,000 to 8,000 megawatts of new energy resources each year. With the infrastructure and vision in place, California offers a glimpse of what a sustainable energy future could look like for one of the world’s largest economies. #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #SolarPower #ClimateAction #EnergyTransition #CaliforniaEnergy #BatteryStorage #GreenTechnology #ResilientGrid https://lnkd.in/gGUzf_dn

No easy solutions for the forecasted energy demand requirements highlighted by the Seattle Times. However, a modernized #ColumbiaRiverTreaty could help ensure we aren’t overpaying for the benefits of the Treaty and sending an excess amount of renewable energy to Canada rather than utilizing that energy to support our own energy demand needs. https://lnkd.in/gUWCpFUf